Signal No. 2 up in Isabela as Carina intensifies into a storm

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Tropical Depression Carina has intensified into a Tropical Storm, and is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains to Northern Luzon.

Carina is expected to intensify into a Severe Tropical Storm before it makes landfall in Cagayan on Sunday night, state weather bureau PAGASA Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano said on Saturday. It is not expected to intensify into a typhoon.

Residents are advised to prepare for rains and flash floods in affected areas.

As of 4 p.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Carina was spotted at 290 km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, bringing maximum winds of up to 65 kph. It is forecast to move north northwest at 18 kph.

The weather bureau said Carina is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday afternoon.

Gov't readies for Carina

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) held a meeting on Friday and Saturday to ensure all disaster prevention measures are observed.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with disaster response agencies, is also preparing for the possible onslaught of Carina.

DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo has already directed the field offices in the affected regions to continue monitoring the situation on the grounds and intensify their coordination with the local government units.